New study looks at gender differences in autobiographical stories

Adolescent women tend to have more elaborate and reflective autobiographical narratives, according to an MU study.

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This week, we’ll hear about gender differences in the ways that adolescents talk about themselves, and revisit an interview about happiness.

According to a recent study published by a University of Missouri professor, the ways that adolescents tell stories about themselves can be revealing. Jennifer Bohanek is a psychology professor at MU and was an author on the study. She says the way these narratives are told varies between genders. KBIA’s Jon Ingram talked to Bohanek about her recent study and what it reveals about teens.

Also, earlier this year, MU Psychology Professor Ken Sheldon published what he called “the happiness model” – a psychological tool that might help people improve their emotions. His research can be found in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.” Sheldon sat down with KBIA’s Matt Veto back in May, to discuss his research.